Lilly Pilly Tiny Trev

Lilly Pilly 'Tiny Trev' (Syzygium australe 'Tiny Trev') is the dwarf lilly pilly for gardens where a normal one would be far too big. Left alone it sits at about 1m tall and wide, holding fine dense foliage with bronze new growth, and it clips to a knee high border without ever going bare at the base. Like the better modern selections it resists psyllid, so the leaves stay clean without spraying.

Why you'll love it

• Small by nature, not by pruning. It stops at around 1m on its own, so a low hedge takes one light trim a year rather than constant cutting back.
• Psyllid resistance you can see. Older lilly pillies pimple and pucker once psyllid finds the soft growth. This one resists it: not immune, but no spray routine.
• Native, bird friendly and pet safe. White flowers give way to edible berries the birds work through, and it is not toxic to cats or dogs.
• Built for exposed sites. Salt and wind tolerant, and comfortable in humidity, so coastal and subtropical gardens suit it.

Where it works best

Low hedging and edging. Plant 50cm apart in a single row for a dense low hedge. At that spacing the plants meet within two seasons and the base stays furnished.

Mass planting and small gardens. Use it as a green block in front of taller shrubs, or as the structure in a courtyard where a full size lilly pilly would swallow the space.

Pots and containers. A pot 400mm or wider holds one comfortably, and a matched pair either side of an entry is the simplest formal look there is.

Growing Lilly Pilly 'Tiny Trev' in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the densest growth, and part shade works with a looser habit. This is a plant for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It takes light frost once established, so hard frosting inland, tableland and cold southern gardens are better served by a hardier hedge.

Soil. Not fussy about type, but it wants drainage. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound and work compost through the bed, then mulch 75mm deep clear of the stems.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first summer, then taper off. A controlled release native fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer keeps the colour up.

Pruning. Tip prune from planting to build density. One trim after the spring flush is usually enough, and it reshoots from old wood, so a neglected plant can be cut back hard.

What to expect when it arrives

Three sizes are grown: tube stock, 140mm in packs of ten, and 200mm in packs of six. Tube stock is the value choice for a long border and closes only a season behind the bigger sizes. The 200mm plants arrive already branched and are the pick for a short run you want looking finished quickly.

Plants are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a quiet fortnight after planting, then new growth within four to six weeks in warm weather. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read the lilly pilly care guide.
• Compare varieties in the full lilly pilly range.
• Browse more plants safe for pets.
• See other options in plants for small gardens.

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Fifty centimetres apart in a single row for a solid low hedge. For a looser mass planting, 70cm still fills in and uses fewer plants.

How tall will it actually get?

About 1m untrimmed. A single trim a year holds it anywhere from 40cm to 80cm, which is why it suits borders and low dividers.

Is it safe for dogs and cats?

Yes. It is not toxic to cats or dogs, and the small berries are edible for people too, though they are tart rather than sweet.